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Disney has announced a hero for its upcoming Marvel series described as “Batman with multiple personality disorder” in an effort to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.

Marc Spector, the protagonist in Moon Knight, plays a former CIA agent who becomes an international mercenary after becoming disillusioned with the organisation.

He dies during a disastrous mission to an archaeological dig site in Egypt, but is visited by the Egyptian god Khonshu and granted super strength in a second life.

However, he soon isolates himself from his friends when he starts to hear the voices of Khonshu in his head.

He goes on to develop several other alter egos, ranging from millionaire playboy Steven Grant, to cab driver Jake Lockley, as he takes on an array of street-level villains while grappling with his affliction.

Although other well known Marvel characters, such as Daredevil, have battled with their inner demons in the past, Moon Knight is among the first to have been defined by them so explicitly.

A Disney+ streaming service sign is pictured at the D23 Expo, billed as the "largest Disney fan event in the world" Credit:
Robyn Beck/AFP

In the description of his character, Disney said: “Beyond boxing, he knows several martial arts, is a talented athlete and gymnast, and can speak several languages. Unfortunately, these abilities are balanced by an uneven mental state that manifests itself in bouts of depression and multiple identity disorder.

“Over his years as Moon Knight, Spector has also exhibited periodic demonstrations of supernatural powers such as enhanced strength during nights with full moons, prophetic visions and dreams, and the ability to drain another person’s life energies through physical contact.”